"Frank are you sure about this?" Fenton asked his son. "You're still in a lot of pain, I can tell."

He nodded, seating himself in the wheelchair. "I know, Dad, but I haven't seen Nancy since the day I was shot and I'm worried about her. Especially after what Bess and George told me."

"All right, lets go then."

Frank was quiet as his father wheeled him to the elevator. Nancy had

been through so much within the past year and Ned, a man she loved for

ages it seemed, had to make it worse!

The same thought kept going through his mind, 'Why do bad things happen

to good people?'

He was shaken from his reverie by Fenton. "Nancy's in here, I'll leave

the two of you alone," he said with a smile.

"Thanks, Dad."

Fenton held the door open and Frank went in. Nancy looked like an angel as she lay on the bed asleep. He loved her so much! He was not going to wait any longer to ask her. As soon as she woke up, the question was going to pop out!

Nancy's eyes fluttered open when she felt someone take her hand. "Hey."

"Hey yourself," Frank replied. "I thought you were asleep."

"No. Too many thoughts going through my mind at the moment..." she trailed off.

Frank saw the tears slip from her eyes. He carefully stood up and wrapped his arms around her. "It's okay, Nan. I'll always be here for you. I love you so much!"

"I love you too!"

Frank kissed away her tears and took a step back. He reached into his pockets (there was no way he was going through the hospital in just the gown!). "I have something for you. I was going to give it to you the other night, but, well you know what happened."

"Frank?" she asked questioningly. She had a feeling she knew what he was getting at.

"Nancy, will you marry me?"

More tears flowed as she laughed and nodded. "Yes, Frank, I will!" He laughed too as he placed the ring on her finger. "It's so beautiful!" she whispered. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Nan. Although it's not as beautiful as you."

She shook her head. "You're cute when you say cheesy things like that!"

***********

The next day Nancy and Frank had both been released from the hospital. They had one stop to make before they both returned to their apartments.

She took a deep breath as she looked up at the building. Ned was in one of the many rooms there. "Are you ready, Nan?"

Nancy turned to face Frank. "As ready as I'll ever be."

The first people they saw where Ned's parents. Mrs. Nickerson's face was so pale and drawn. It seemed as though she had aged 20 years. She smiled when she saw Nancy, though.

"Oh, Nan!" she said, hugging the younger woman. "I am so sorry about all of this. I had no idea anything was wrong. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Mrs. Nickerson, there's nothing to forgive. I still care for Ned and I know he's sick. The doctors here are going to help him to get better. I just know it!"

Mrs. Nickerson looked over at Frank for the first time. "And you must be Frank Hardy."

"I am," Frank replied, shaking her hand.

"David, this Frank." She turned to Nancy. "You're fiancée, right?"

Nancy blinked. "How did you know?"

"Your ring, dear."

"Oh. I'm just not used to wearing it. Thank you."

Mr. Nickerson gave Nancy a hug. "No, dear. Thank you for saving our son. You helped him to see that everything he was doing wasn't the answer."

"You're welcome," Nancy said. "And Ned was always there for me. Thank you for him."

"Nan, I hope you don't think this to be rude, but Ned asked us if you wouldn't mind postponing your visit with him until he's had time to adjust and work things out," David explained.

She nodded. "That's understandable. You'll tell him I was here, though?"

"Of course, dear."

Frank took Nancy's hand. "Ready?"

Nancy smiled as they walked to the door. "For the future? Always."

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